Eldiss Firestorm 180 ref solar panels (1 Viewer)

[benellioldman1]

Hi
I am new to motorhoming and I have a question re plugging in solar panels to the cigarette lighter socket. The lighter socket does not have any power to it when the ignition is off therefor I presume we cant just plug our dashboard or larger solar panel into this socket when parked. The question is also relevant to plugging in the invertor via this socket. Seeing that the leisure battery is way out of sight and therefore not easy to clip onto, is there a possibility that we could use one of the 12v two pin connectors via a adaptor to the lighter male connection on the solar panel.
Thanks Steve

 

[GJH]

You are correct that using the dashboard socket is not feasible.

We used to use a stand alone solar panel when we had our Autoquest 100. It had a lead which was permanently attached to the leisure battery terminals and plugged into the panel when we wanted to use it. If you wish to use a permanently (presumably roof) mounted solar panel then it should be wired (through a suitable controller) to the leisure battery terminals.

An inverter (or dedicated 12v charging leads) can be used from the 12v socket(s) in the living area.

If you want to keep the starter battery topped up as well (from solar and EHU) you will need to fit a Battery Charge Manager or equivalent.

More details of what we did on the electrical side in our Autoquest Here.

 

[benellioldman1]

Thanks Graham
I am a lot wiser now on all the aspects of owning this motorhome
Steve

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[GJH]

No problem Steve. That's one of the things this forum is for. Ask any question and it is likely somebody will be along with an answer pretty quickly.

If you are really lucky some of the answers may be right